FirstNet Announcement

OREM, Utah, June 7, 2018 — The City of Orem is giving our officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and utilities a much-needed technology upgrade with FirstNet – a groundbreaking communications platform. This move lets us take advantage of the early benefits of FirstNet, and it sets us up for continued success as the solution evolves. We want to lead in technology, so we can better serve the people of Orem.

FirstNet is the country’s first nationwide public safety communications platform dedicated to first responders – available when and where we need it. Built with AT&T, in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, it gives our communications capabilities a major boost, providing a reliable, highly secure and “always on” connection.

By subscribing to FirstNet, we can help our first responders stay connected to the critical information we need. And it will help ensure we can easily and quickly communicate with one another during everyday situations, emergencies, or big events like this week’s SummerFest.

“We’re proud to be early adopters of the FirstNet platform and to be among the first in the nation to have each of our fire, law enforcement, EMS and utilities all connected. The technology will transform how each organization communicates with each other for any day and any crisis,” said City of Orem Mayor Richard Brunst. “It’s important that we give our first responders the very best technology to help ensure quicker response times as we serve Orem’s residents.

Our decision to join FirstNet was based on the following 3 critical factors:

Groundbreaking Technology – FirstNet is the only platform that gives first responders First Priority™, with always-on priority and preemption. That means we’ll have access to the connection we need – even when the network is congested. This will help us keep ourselves and those we serve safe and secure. We look forward to taking advantage of additional mission-critical capabilities as the technology advances.

Coverage, Capacity and Control – As Utah’s additional FirstNet build gets underway, we will have access to increased coverage and capacity. This will help us support emergencies in all areas of the state – from rural to urban. Plus, with FirstNet’s local control capability, we’re able to allocate communications resources in near real time to support our first responders who need them most. With FirstNet, the ball is in our court.

System Reliability – FirstNet is the only system purpose-built to the high standards of public safety based on an understanding of our needs. Plus, AT&T will be held accountable by the First Responder Network Authority to deliver on their commitment to design and build a solution that meets our needs for years to come.

“FirstNet is a game changer for the City of Orem and the region. This week we are putting the technology and lifesaving tools of FirstNet to the test during Orem’s Summerfest celebration, where an estimated 30,000+ residents are expected to attend,” said City of Orem Chief of Police Gary Giles. “The more public safety who sign up, the more we can work across agencies to save lives. That’s why we encourage our fellow first responders statewide to take advantage of this one-of-a-kind solution.”

When a major event occurs, it’s important to share data with other responders. As more agencies join FirstNet, it will drive a greater level of interoperability. This will help us communicate with ease across agencies, jurisdictions and even state lines. And the addition of our utilities as FirstNet extended primary users helps ensure a coordinated response when supporting emergency operations.

“We took action when first responders said they needed better tools to keep their communities – and themselves – out of harm’s way. FirstNet will help first responders in Orem and across the country perform at the highest levels,” said Tara Thue, Director of External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T Utah. “We’re honored to play a part in that transformation and applaud Orem City, Police and Fire for helping to lead the way.”

“FirstNet is the exclusive communications platform built with AT&T for public safety, inspired by public safety – there is no substitution for this network that they fought for,” said First Responder Network Authority CEO Mike Poth. “We look forward to supporting the City of Orem’s use of FirstNet, making sure it delivers what they need, when they need it.”

From Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s decision to opt into FirstNet, to Mayor Brunst and the City of Orem, we’ve had a lot of great support in our transition to FirstNet. Plus, working with AT&T, subscribing to FirstNet was seamless. Our first responders are all now equipped with the game-changing technology.